Sunny Health & Fitness Flip & Foldable Rowing Machine for Home w/Extended Slide Rail, Full-Body Workout, Low-Impact, Optional Extra Long Rail, Quiet Rail Cover, Water Motion and Free SunnyFit App

For context: I'm a fit, 6ft 175lb 36 year old and ex collegiate athlete. I moved to a place where running in the winter is something only masochists engage in, and wanted something to replace my daily 5K. When I purchased this a couple of years ago, I thought it'd either lead to me turning to something other than rowing or upgrading to a more expensive rower if I enjoyed it as my running alternative. I still have this, it gets used at least 5 days a week for 6 months of the year and maybe 3 days a week the rest of the year in 20-30 minute high intensity intervals. Below are the pros and cons.PROS:- I can't believe this machine costs what it costs, for the $ I really don't think you're going to get a more effective or durable cardio machine (caveat - if you're a heavier human, this might not hold up as well as it has for myself. My weight fluctuates between 175lb and 185lb...I'd say that if you're 200lbs or less, this machine should handle your weight without breaking a sweat. I know that it has a listed weight limit, whatever it is I'd go by that when considering this machine);- LOW maintenance - I haven't had to do anything to maintain this machine and I've had it for years.- Easy to assemble (it does take some time, but not as much as you'd think);- Effective workout - I've used high-end rowers in fitness clubs since getting this, and while this isn't EXACTLY comparable to those, it's not far off and the price difference is enormous...just row faster! (it mostly lacks higher resistance levels, but it's highest resistance should be more than adequate for most people);- Relatively small footprint (check the dimensions - I have it basically running along the shorter wall of a small bedroom and it really takes up hardly any space);- Minimum noise - none of these are whisper quiet, but this is quieter than most...it has developed some additional noise over the years, but it is still relatively quiet considering it's an erg.CONS- Noise (but that's any of these machines);- Limited range of motion...I think I'd ideally like a couple of extra inches, but if you're 6ft or shorter this should still pretty much work fine for you to get in a full stroke;- Limited display - this is probably its most significant shortcoming...I wish it displayed strokes per minute (easy enough to determine by doing a little math, but who likes to do math while they're trying to work up a sweat?);- Resistance (as mentioned previously) - for most, this will provide more than enough resistance...and if it doesn't increasing the pace is always an option.The slight lack of resistance, slightly limited range of motion for anyone in the 6ft+ range, and rudimentary display/tracking options are the things that keep this from being comparable to much higher end rowing machines...but if all you're looking to do is work up a sweat via a low impact workout, I really don't think you can beat this $ for $. I've thought of buying a slightly higher-end rower since getting this one 3 years ago, but can't justify the additional cost.

Despite what some others have said, I think this is an excellent value.After hours of research I chose this machine over others even though it was more expensive then I had originally planned on spending. However, a sale coupled with a damaged-box discount gave me such a supreme bargain I couldn't resist.And I'm really glad I purchased it.Packaging was stellar. Nice, tight packaging with small wood blocks insured no shifting of the machine during transport. All tools and parts were included and instructions were excellent. I put it together in 25 minutes. The most trying parts were the pull pin and large black knob on the top of the main frame which must be carefully lined up to fit. Lifting the frame up enabled me to shift the frame pieces into better alignment and slide the black knob piece directly down at the perfect angle. Otherwise, it will resist screwing into the hole.The parts were shrink-wrapped on cardboard and clearly labeled as to which step they were for. This was extremely helpful.The machine works smoothly and very quietly. The seat glides nicely on the rail with no bumping or catching. The flywheel is very quiet and turns smoothly. I have not used the computer readout yet so can not rate it.I am 5'1" tall with a 27.5 inseam. When my legs are fully extended there is 13.5" of unused rail behind the seat until the seat would contact the stop bumper. Taller people would have plenty of room on the rail.I have seen comments about feet slipping out of the foot rests. Please note the foot rests have two adjustments. The straps come pre-installed in the 'upper' slots closer to the toes of the rests. This is great if your feet are longer. For shorter feet, simple unthread the foot straps from the current location and feed them through the other slots closer to the heel of the foot rest. (See my photos for clarification). This will fasten the straps over the foot for smaller feet and prevent slipping of the foot.I am including a close-up of the parts that attach the main frame to the seat rail frame. I am doing this because if you don't have all of the pieces together the frame will shift and the seat will not glide smoothly. I watched another purchaser's video where they were complaining about the seat not gliding and being noisy. If you look at her video you will immediately notice she has one of the bolt holes empty, causing the entire frame to bow down at that crucial point. Follow all directions and the frame will be totally tight and secure.Personally, I love the machine. This is wonderful and I anticipate it providing me with many hours of relaxing rowing.Note: If you feel the machine is not giving you a good workout, check your technique. Poor technique is responsible for 95% of dissatisfaction with most exercise equipment, in my opinion. Do yourself a favour and watch several videos from different sites to learn proper technique. Even if you have used a rowing machine before, don't second guess yourself. Good technique is the only thing you can do to guarantee a great workout, increased strength and health and to protect yourself from injury.Dark Horse Rowing has a series of videos that are very nice. Otherwise, check out college rowing instructional videos. The video that is part of the advertising for this machine shows extremely poor technique. Do not use it for reference.